Reconfigurable power control system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for the creation of a centrally controlled DC and AC power rail system within a structure. The rails utilize a centralized controller along with a plurality of distributed controllers to allow for power in the rails to be selectively distributed or not distributed to outlets attached to the rails. This allows for power to be distributed without the need for users to utilize hardwired switches, but to instead utilize generally wireless switch modules, which may be implemented in hardware and/or software to control the outlets. It also allows for devices designed to utilize DC power to be directly supplied with such power from the DC power rail without the need to include onboard AC-DC converters with each device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/932,085, filed Jan. 27, 2014, the entire disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to a controller for a power system within astructure such as a residence or business. Specifically, the controlsystem generally serves to provide centralized control of powerdistribution on both AC and DC circuits wired into the structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Today there is an increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, not only forthe individual and the company, who are the energy consumers, but alsofor energy providers. This is especially true for electrical energy. TheEnergy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2011 about 461Billion kW hours of electricity were used in the USA by the residentialand commercial sectors. Electricity used for lighting was equal to 17%of total electricity consumed by both of those sectors. Residentiallighting consumption was about 186 Billion kilowatt hours (kWh) ofelectricity in the USA, or about 13% of all residential electricalconsumption. For the commercial sector, lighting consumed about 275Billion kWh of electricity or 21% of all the commercial sectorelectricity.

This large consumption of electricity for lighting has led togovernmental regulation to utilize more efficient lighting devices andthe manufacture of the incandescent bulb (e.g. the lightbulb asoriginally contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 223,898 to Edison) hasessentially been halted. Instead, lighting is being increasinglysupplied through compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and halogen bulbsand to an increasing percentage, light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

As trends in building new houses increases square footage, the energyconsumption of future buildings generally, and specifically thepercentage consumed by lighting, will likely continue to rise without amajor transition to the use of more efficient light sources. LEDs, forthe same level of lumen light emission as an incandescent bulb, canconsume as little as one sixth to one tenth of the power of anincandescent bulb. Use of LED technology for lighting, therefore, offersthe residential home owner the opportunity to reduce their electricalenergy consumption by 10% if used consistently. This opportunity hasresulted in a plethora of new light bulbs and new fixtures which utilizeLEDs hitting the market.

Generally, the LED bulbs and fixtures that are provided currently areconfigured to interface into existing fixtures normally utilizing anEdison screw connector in the United States and a universal bayonet typeformat in many European countries. The LED fixtures are thereforedesigned to replace traditional incandescent bulbs in existing socketsand fixtures already installed into an older structure. They are,effectively, LED light bulbs where the LEDs and associated controlelectronics are all self-contained and provided in a format which cansimply be attached in place of a traditional incandescent bulb onto theinternal AC wiring of the structure.

The “light bulb” carrying the LEDs will, therefore, generally beconfigured to interface with the existing residential or commercial ACsupply (normally 110 V 60 Hz in the US) and will need to supplyeverything to allow the LED device to operate with simple wiredconnection to an AC power source. LEDs are, however, direct current (DC)driven solid state devices and, moreover, are low voltage DC devices.The result is that today each “LED bulb” has to carry its own AC to DCconversion electronics to allow for the LED to obtain useable power fromthe AC based wiring infrastructure in the building. Further, theygenerally have to include electronics to bleed off excess wattage tomake sure that there is not too much power provided to the LEDs.

This drives up cost as the electronics must be mounted on each bulb, andare discarded when the bulb is replaced. It also decreases overallreliability of the LED bulb because it provides for a larger number ofelectronic components that can fail (LEDs are inherently 40 times morereliable than incandescent filaments, but LED bulbs generally do notshow the same multiplier of reliability). Further, individual controlelectronics also reduce the overall efficiency of the LED lightingsystem as the AC power has to be converted into DC power at a variety ofpoints resulting in creation of waste heat.

Still further, the heat generated from this conversion can beproblematic. Certain LED bulbs can only be installed in certainorientations without presenting possible fire hazards, and, even if heatcan be controlled, the creation of waste heat within the LED bulbstructure can result in further reliability issues due to potentialdamage. Thus, while the use of retrofit LED lighting has dramaticallyreduced power consumption in structures which use them consistently, itis clear that they still operate very inefficiently, and cost much more,than their inherent capability.

If there was a way to provide for DC current to be provided directly tolighting systems, the cost of the bulbs could be dramatically loweredand many of the above problems would be avoided as control electronicscould be removed from the LED bulb meaning that the LED bulb itselfwould need only include the basic LEDs and DC power handling components.Further, a DC power rail within a structure is much safer than an ACrail. It is generally difficult to cause severe damage to the human bodywith DC power because it has little effect on human electromechanics.However, essentially every structure built or modified since theelectrical era began around 100 years ago has been built with internalAC power rails and the power grids of the vast majority of locales areAC power grids.

Certain structures are beginning to take advantage of the benefits ofLED lighting directly by providing installed LED lighting which utilizesbatteries instead of being connected to the AC grid, or which can bedirected to direct energy generation sources such as solar panels whichreadily produce DC power. While this can be an effective solution, it isfar from efficient as even while LEDs can run for many years off ofbatteries, this arrangement produces a large amount of battery waste andmany direct generation sources are only useable in certaincircumstances.

The creation of a DC power rail within a residential or commercialbuilding can dramatically change the equation. In the first instance,the need for individual AC to DC conversion for every light or lightfixture goes away. Cost is reduced and reliability increased.Furthermore in the event of an outage of the main AC supply, a simplebackup of a battery or fuel cell will suffice to ensure that lightingand other potentially essential infrastructure connected to the DC railis maintained. Further, add on electricity generation systems (such assolar panels) can be used to generate DC power which can be fed directlyinto the rail. However, such a solution has generally not been possiblewith current lighting systems or structures.

The cost of wiring (independent of the actual fixture costs) in a newstructure generally has two components, first the cost of the wireitself, and second, the cost of the labor to install it. In residentialhouses the major driver is the labor, but the material is notinconsequential at 20 to 30% of the total cost. The wiring ofresidential and even commercial lighting is generally straightforwardfor devices such as outlets and lights where one light or bank of lightsis controlled from one switch. However, there are times, such as at astairwell, hallway, or certain rooms with multiple entrances and exits,where a light is controlled from two or more locations. Similarly fansand plug outlets are sometimes controlled from two or more locations.

In these types of arrangements, the two-way, three-way and higher wayarrangement of switches (where the same fixture can be controlled frommultiple switches) requires significantly more labor time from moreexperienced electricians, specialized components, and more wire tointerconnect the operation. In effect, if a system is wired simply wherethe wires connect directly to the outlet from both switches, one has toturn both switches off to turn the outlet off, while any one of thembeing on will result in power. This does not allow for free toggling.For example, wiring a single bulb to be controlled from two switcheswith free toggling (where any change on either switch toggles the lightsstatus) requires replacing the standard two-way switches normally usedin lighting applications with three-way switches (or an equivalentcircuit), wired in a particular pattern. For three or more switches,three-way and four-way switches are required in particular patterns.This complication therefore costs significantly extra to install both inparts (due to the more complicated switches and additional wiring) andlabor (to make sure they are connected correctly).

The cause of this complication is that the operation of the switch isphysically connected to the functionality of the switch. That is, alight switch, quite literally, is connected into the wire and directlyacts as a mechanical switch to allow or stop electrical flow. Becauseeach wire leading into an outlet is either on or off, it can beimpossible to provide for the ability to freely toggle power from any ofthe switches without adding additional paths which reconnect the flow indifferent ways.

One major problem in all electrical wiring systems is that once anelectrician has wired the system during construction (which usuallyoccurs when only the skeleton of the structure exists and it is easy toconstruct things that will eventually be within walls), the only way tochange the system is a physical rewiring of the system. This usuallyrequires the re-running of wires, as well as changes to the switchesthemselves. This is usually very costly as it can require tearing thesurfaces (usually drywall) off of walls to access the wires, or itrequires sophisticated tools to thread new wires through difficult toaccess (and even to see) passageways.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this sectionis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein amongother things are systems and methods for the creation of a centrallycontrolled DC and AC power rail system within a structure. The railsutilize a centralized controller along with a plurality of distributedcontrollers to allow for power in the rails to be selectivelydistributed or not distributed to outlets attached to the rails. Thisallows for power to be distributed without the need for users to utilizehardwired switches, but to instead utilize generally wireless switchmodules, which may be implemented in hardware and/or software to controlthe outlets. It also allows for devices designed to utilize DC power tobe directly supplied with such power from the DC power rail without theneed to include onboard AC-DC converters with each device.

Described herein, among other things, is a power control system for astructure, the system comprising: a central controller electricallyconnected to: an AC distributed controller by a wire carryingalternating current (AC) power; and a DC distributed controller by awire carrying direct current (DC) power; a main breaker connecting saidcentral controller to an AC power source, said central controllerincluding: an AC to DC power converter; and a computer for transferringinstructions; wherein, said central controller can transmit instructionsand AC power to said AC distributed controller and instructions and DCpower to said DC distributed power controller; a plurality of outlets,each of said outlets: connected to at least one of said AC distributedpower controller or said DC distributed power controller; and includinga coupler for connection to a device utilizing AC or DC power; aplurality of switch modules, each of said modules being operativelyassociated with at least one of said outlets so that when said module isactivated: said module transmits a signal to said central controller;said signal is converted by said computer into an instruction; saidinstruction is sent by said central controller to said distributedcontroller to which said operatively associated outlet is connected; andpower to said outlet is toggled from its present state to a differentstate such as an opposed binary state.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the AC power sourcecomprises a municipal power grid.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the main breaker comprisesa circuit breaker or a fuse box.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the switch modulecomprises a hardware switch.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the switch modulecomprises a mobile device.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the switch modulecomprises a computer.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the AC distributed powercontroller includes a computer.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the AC distributed powercontroller includes a plurality of relay switches.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the DC distributed powercontroller includes a computer.

In an embodiment of the power control system, the DC distributed powercontroller includes a plurality of relay switches.

In an embodiment of the power control system, at least one of saidoutlets is designed to be attached to a light emitting diode (LED)illumination device. This LED illumination device need not include apower control circuit and/or an AC to DC converter.

In an embodiment of the power control system, at least one of saidoutlets is designed to directly connect to a charging cable of a mobiledevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a reconfigurable powercontrol system having AC and DC rails.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of how the AC rail can beconnected to outlets.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless switchmodule.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wired switch module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A house or other structure used by humans will traditionally have apower distribution system arranged within it. In common parlance, thisis usually referred to as the structures “wiring” as wires will extendfrom a central main breaker to distribute power which is obtained by themain breaker from an external power grid to a variety of outlets throughthe structure. In this disclosure, the distribution systems will bereferred to as “rails”. This is a term commonly used in computer circuitdesign to refer to the primary source of power on a circuit board but isnot commonly used in housing. This term is used herein as it providesfor a clearer term more connected with the idea that the rail is theinfrastructure portion of the wiring in the structure.

Similarly, this disclosure will refer to power “outlets”. In generalparlance, a power outlet is generally a point of connection which allowsfor devices which can be completely external to the power rail to beconnected to the power rail. This is as opposed to fixtures which maycomprise objects such as ceiling fans or light sockets where the objectis actually affixed in a position that does not allow any third partyobject to connect to the rail at that point. Further, fixtures usuallyinclude switches which allow power to them to be turned on or off. Theproblem with the traditional use of these terms, however, is that alight “fixture” (for holding a light bulb) and a plug “outlet” (intowhich a table lamp can be plugged) are fundamentally the same. Each willallow an object connected to it via a coupler (e.g. the lamp or lightbulb) to be connected to the power rail and powered.

It is also well known that certain residences lack any fixtures, andrely upon switched plug outlets to act as fixtures, and that one canreadily attach adapters to light fixtures allowing them to provide plugoutlets. Thus, for purposes of this disclosure, any point of connectionwhere an object which does anything other than distribute power withinthe rail can be connected, is called an outlet. Outlets that includeswitches allowing power to them to be alternatively supplied or not areswitched outlets (with switched outlets generally comprising the vastmajority, if not all, the outlets in most embodiments of the system),while those that will always supply power to anything connected to themat all times are unswitched outlets.

For purposes of this disclosure, a “mobile device” may be, but is notlimited to, a smart phone, tablet PC, e-reader, or any other type ofmobile device capable of executing the described functions. Generallyspeaking, the mobile device is network-enabled and communicating with aserver system providing services over a telecommunication network.

Throughout this disclosure, the term “computer” describes hardware whichgenerally implements functionality provided by digital computingtechnology, particularly computing functionality associated withmicroprocessors. The term “computer” is not intended to be limited toany specific type of computing device, but it is intended to beinclusive of all computational devices including, but not limited to:processing devices, microprocessors, personal computers, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, workstations, terminals, servers, clients,portable computers, handheld computers, smart phones, tablet computers,mobile devices, server farms, hardware appliances, minicomputers,mainframe computers, video game consoles, handheld video game products,and wearable computing devices including but not limited to eyewear,wristwear, pendants, and clip-on devices.

As used herein, a “computer” is necessarily an abstraction of thefunctionality provided by a single computer device outfitted with thehardware and accessories typical of computers in a particular role. Byway of example and not limitation, the term “computer” in reference to alaptop computer would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artto include the functionality provided by pointer-based input devices,such as a mouse or track pad, whereas the term “computer” used inreference to an enterprise-class server would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to include the functionality provided byredundant systems, such as RAID drives and dual power supplies.

It is also well known to those of ordinary skill in the art that thefunctionality of a single computer may be distributed across a number ofindividual machines. This distribution may be functional, as wherespecific machines perform specific tasks; or, balanced, as where eachmachine is capable of performing most or all functions of any othermachine and is assigned tasks based on its available resources at apoint in time. Thus, the term “computer” as used herein, can refer to asingle, standalone, self-contained device or to a plurality of machinesworking together or independently, including without limitation: anetwork server farm, “cloud” computing system, software-as-a-service, orother distributed or collaborative computer networks.

Those of ordinary skill in the art also appreciate that some deviceswhich are not conventionally thought of as “computers” neverthelessexhibit the characteristics of a “computer” in certain contexts. Wheresuch a device is performing the functions of a “computer” as describedherein, the term “computer” includes such devices to that extent.Devices of this type include but are not limited to: network hardware,print servers, file servers, NAS and SAN, load balancers, and any otherhardware capable of interacting with the systems and methods describedherein in the matter of a conventional “computer.”

Throughout this disclosure, the term “software” refers to code objects,program logic, command structures, data structures and definitions,source code, executable and/or binary files, machine code, object code,compiled libraries, implementations, algorithms, libraries, or anyinstruction or set of instructions capable of being executed by acomputer processor, or capable of being converted into a form capable ofbeing executed by a computer processor, including without limitationvirtual processors, or by the use of run-time environments, virtualmachines, and/or interpreters. Those of ordinary skill in the artrecognize that software can be wired or embedded into hardware,including without limitation onto a microchip, and still be considered“software” within the meaning of this disclosure. For purposes of thisdisclosure, software includes without limitation: instructions stored orstorable in RAM, ROM, flash memory BIOS, CMOS, mother and daughter boardcircuitry, hardware controllers, USB controllers or hosts, peripheraldevices and controllers, video cards, audio controllers, network cards,Bluetooth® and other wireless communication devices, virtual memory,storage devices and associated controllers, firmware, and devicedrivers. The systems and methods described here are contemplated to usecomputers and computer software typically stored in a computer- ormachine-readable storage medium or memory.

Throughout this disclosure, terms used herein to describe or referencemedia holding software, including without limitation terms such as“media,” “storage media,” and “memory,” may include or excludetransitory media such as signals and carrier waves.

Throughout this disclosure, the terms “web,” “web site,” “web server,”“web client,” and “web browser” refer generally to computers programmedto communicate over a network using the HyperText Transfer Protocol(“HTTP”), and/or similar and/or related protocols including but notlimited to HTTP Secure (“HTTPS”) and Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol(“SHTP”). A “web server” is a computer receiving and responding to HTTPrequests, and a “web client” is a computer having a user agent sendingand receiving responses to HTTP requests. The user agent is generallyweb browser software.

Throughout this disclosure, the term “network” generally refers to avoice, data, or other telecommunications network over which computerscommunicate with each other. The term “server” generally refers to acomputer providing a service over a network, and a “client” generallyrefers to a computer accessing or using a service provided by a serverover a network. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the terms “server” and “client” may refer to hardware, software,and/or a combination of hardware and software, depending on context.Those having ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that theterms “server” and “client” may refer to endpoints of a networkcommunication or network connection, including but not necessarilylimited to a network socket connection. Those having ordinary skill inthe art will further appreciate that a “server” may comprise a pluralityof software and/or hardware servers delivering a service or set ofservices. Those having ordinary skill in the art will further appreciatethat the term “host” may, in noun form, refer to an endpoint of anetwork communication or network (e.g. “a remote host”), or may, in verbform, refer to a server providing a service over a network (“hosts awebsite”), or an access point for a service over a network.

Throughout this disclosure, the term “switch” may be, but is not limitedto, a physical switch, an electro-optical switch, a solid state switchor a transistor, or FET or IGBT or any other electronic or mechanicaldevice that can operate as a switch. A switch is generally a two statedevice that can connect with little impedance one component to anotherand/or power rail from another with low impedance, and in its secondstate, can isolate (with high impedance) the two components and/or powerrails.

The system and methods discussed herein are designed to provide for anembodiment of a distribution system within a structure, generally aresidence, office building, or other human constructed structure, withthe ability to have two power rails. One rail is designed to carryalternating current (AC) power while the other is designed to carrydirect current (DC) power. Current homes utilize a single rail whichdistributes only AC power. The rail systems are provided under thecontrol of a central controller (101) and a variety of distributedcontrollers (201) and (301) that provide switch banks used inconjunction with remote switch modules in place of standard hardwiredswitches.

An embodiment of a distributed power control system (100) is provided inFIG. 1 in a general block format. In FIG. 1, a central controller (101)is provided which is generally connected to two separate distributionsystems. Generally, on the left side of the drawing is the ACdistribution components (AC rail) while generally on the right side arethe DC distribution components (DC rail). Each side includes at leastone distributed controller (201) or (301), and a plurality of outlets(501) and (601) attached to the various controllers (201) or (301).

The central controller (101) acts to connect distributed controllers(201) and (301), can provide “coarse” power management for traditionalAC circuits (e.g. to shut off a whole room, side of the house, etc. asis currently done using circuit breakers), and can monitor the “coarse”energy consumption of systems for purposes of efficiency feedback. Onthe AC side of the distribution grid, the central controller (101) takesin power from a traditional AC main fuse box or circuit breaker (mainbreaker (10)) taking AC power from a traditional power grid to which thestructure is connected. The main breaker (10) is also connected to theAC distributed controllers (301) which are wired into the system and arealso supplied power by the main breaker (10). Each AC distributedcontroller (301) is then attached to at least one AC outlet (601).Essentially everything on the left side of FIG. 1 comprises the AC railand it includes the main breaker (10), the central controller (101), theAC distributed controllers (301), and the AC outlets (601).

From the central controller (101), there is also attached a DC rail onthe right hand side of FIG. 1. This roughly mirrors the AC side and, ason the AC side, the central controller (101) is attached to at least oneDC distributed controller (201), each of which is generally attached toat least one DC outlet (501). Thus, the DC rail includes the centralcontroller (101), the DC distributed controllers (201), and the DCoutlets (501). It should be noted that there will generally not be a DCmain breaker as the DC rail is connected to the main breaker (10) whichcan be used to shut off power to the entire system and the DC power isgenerally converted from AC power, as opposed to being supplieddirectly.

While not required, in an embodiment, the central controller (101) maybe connected to a DC power source. It should be understood, that at thetime of this writing, municipal electrical grids are generally AC only.However, in the future, that may change and DC power from a connectedgrid may be provided directly to the central controller (101) via a DCbreaker or similar connection. Further, the concept of microgeneration,where power for a structure is not only obtained from a large centralpower generation plant via the grid but from power generation limited tothe structure (e.g. attached solar panels or windmills) is gaining inpopularity. Some of these microgenerators will readily produce AC power(e.g. windmills), while others more readily generate DC power (e.g.solar panels). To the extent that a localized power source is provided,it will generally be connected into the system via the appropriateaccess point. For an AC source, this will be into the main breaker (10);for a DC source this would generally be directly into the centralcontroller (101).

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the central controller (101) provides forthe primary and “coarse” control on distribution of power along both theAC and DC rails. The central controller (101) also serves as an AC to DCpower conversion system which produces a generally “low voltage” DCsignal in a highly efficient manner. The efficiency is primarilyprovided by it being a single point of conversion. This allows for morerobust electronics to be used in conversion, for there to be fewerelectronic components used, and for the system to generally centralizeAC to DC power conversion. In addition to AC and DC power conversion atthe central controller (101), depending on the embodiment, thecontroller may also have access to a variety of DC generation systemswhich can be distributed directly as contemplated above.

The central controller (101) is generally located near, and preferablyalongside or even internal to, the main breaker (10) (a fuse box orcircuit breaker in most cases) of a structure. Power for the centralcontroller (101) will generally be supplied from the main breaker (10)which, barring special circumstances, will supply a continuous supply ofAC power to the central controller (101) and the AC distributedcontrollers (231). In the event that the main breaker (10) is tripped,or power is cutoff (e.g. because of a portion of the municipal gridbeing damaged in a storm), power may be supplied to the centralcontroller (101) via an attached DC source (such as, but not limited to,solar panels), from a storage system such as batteries, or emergencybackup generators (such as, but not limited to, hydrocarbon fueledelectrical generators).

The central controller (101) generally has three primary sub-elements,namely, control electronics or computer (111), such as, but not limitedto, a digital processor usually in combination with memory componentsand communication components such as a wireless receiver of types wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art for receiving signals from anetwork. The computer (111) will generally be configured to receivevarious forms of input signals, convert those signals into a command forthe distributed controllers (201) and (301), and transmit thatinstruction to a similar computer at the appropriate controller (201) or(301). Alternatively, the instructions may be sent in a fashion thatdoes not require a computer to interpret at the distributed controllers(201) or (301), eliminating the need for a computer to be present there.

The central controller (101) will also generally include an AC-DCconverter (113) and may include a small internal backup DC supply (115)in the event of a main power failure. This last option is optional butwill generally be present to provide for some control and power to thecentral controller (101) in the event of AC power not being receivedfrom the main breaker (10).

The AC-DC converter (113) will generally comprise electronics configuredto take in standard AC voltage supplied from the electrical grid towhich the structure is attached, and convert this to a DC voltage. Theinput AC voltage may be part of the main signal and supplied in anyvoltage and amperage as can the DC voltage. The AC-DC converter (113) inthe central controller (101) will commonly be connected to the mainbreaker (10) after the main breaker (10) has been connected to the gridand, therefore, the main breaker (10) can distribute power to thecentral controller (101) in the traditional manner.

The central controller (101) would, thus, take in standard AC grid powerfrom the main breaker (101). This power is used both to power thecomputer (111) as well as supply a power source to the AC-DC converter(113) which isolates it, rectifies it, and outputs a coarse (in terms ofvoltage stability and ripple) low voltage DC output to the DCdistributed controllers (201).

To ensure expandability for both residential houses and otherstructures, of differing square footage, the AC-DC converter (113) canbe provided in a modular form within the central controller (101) wherethe amount of conversion capability in the central controller (101) isregulated by the number of AC-DC converter (113) modules installed. Inan embodiment, each module may be capable of nominally handling 500watts. Structures requiring more DC power than this from a singlecentral controller (101) are accommodated by providing additional slotswithin the central controller (101) mounting extra AC-DC converter (113)modules which would add capability in generally 500 watt increments.AC-DC converter (113) modules would simply be slotted as needed to meetthe power demand of the DC rail.

These AC-DC converter (113) modules would be fairly straightforwardcomprising necessary AC-DC converter (113) electronics appropriate forthe size of conversion they will perform, and a form of quick releaseelectrical connector allowing for them to be quickly connected anddisconnected from the central controller (101). Preferably, the AC-DCconverter (113) modules would be short-circuit proofed, and they will beable to measure and store the output current and voltage of that AC-DCconverter (113), thereby establishing the system power consumed by eachmodule.

The output of the AC-DC converter (113) in the central controller (101)is the raw supply that feeds each DC distributed controller (201).Further, that DC power can also provide charging of the backup powerunit (115) if provided, or can feed an attached DC power storage system,if desired. In an embodiment, the central controller (101) could alsosupply excess power back into the municipal grid, if the grid wascapable of such an action.

Connected to the central controller (101) is at least one and generallya plurality of DC (201) and AC (301) distributed controllers. Thesedistribute electricity from one to many individually switchable circuitswithin themselves to provide for independent control of connected DC(501) and AC (601) outlets. Each of the distributed controllers (201)and (301) may also relay information from the switch modules (401) tothe central controller (101); communicate status information to thecentral controller (101); communicate with switch modules (401)directly; and/or monitor energy use at the distributed controller (201)or (301) and relay this information to the central controller (101) oran external monitor. Generally, the DC (201) and AC (301) distributedcontrollers will comprise hardware components and switches with anattached computer. However, in an alternative embodiment, they may beimplemented (along with the modules (401) and/or central controller(101)) in a purely software construction. In such an embodiment, theoperations of the structures will generally be logically separated, byno means required. It should also be recognized that since each to theDC (201) and AC (301) distributed controllers (and in fact the modules(401)) can include software functionality, in an alternative embodiment,the computers in those devices can assume the responsibilities of thecomputer (111) in the central controller, or in any of the other devicesin the system.

In an embodiment, the DC distributed controllers (201) will be usedprimarily to control outlets (501) for use with a low voltage DClighting system. The outlets are generally built into the structure intowhich the system (100) has been installed. The lighting system isgenerally based around providing specially designed outlets (501) forconnection of low voltage LED “light bulbs” which are easilyreplaceable, highly reliable, unobtrusive, provide a low fire risk, andcan utilize inexpensive DC wiring. They usually have an advantage overcurrent LED bulbs in that they do not need onboard AC-DC conversioncapability and associated electronics. While lighting is not the onlypurpose of the DC rail in all embodiments, and the DC rail willgenerally be designed to provide a variety of outlets (501) suitable fordifferent DC powered devices, because of the efficiencies of LEDlighting, it is expected, in an embodiment, that the principle source ofDC outlets (501) would be specialized outlets for connection to LEDlighting.

Because the DC rail is custom built in a preferred embodiment, thecouplers provided by the DC outlets (501) can utilize any form ofconnection technology and will be designed to directly interface with DCpowered devices. Thus, lighting outlets (501) on the DC rail may, but donot need to, use Edison screw couplers. In an embodiment, the outlets(501) would not use such couplers as this could encourage theinstallation of traditional LED bulbs into these outlets (501). Astraditional bulbs include unnecessary electronics when connected to DCrail as opposed to the AC rail, they would be inefficient in thisapplication, if they worked at all.

Instead, the couplers in the outlets (501) used for lighting willgenerally be specific to a class of LED bulbs which are designed todirectly connect to a DC rail and comprise minimal electronics hardwareother than the specific LED components. Further, other useful DC basedcouplers can also be provided at outlets (501) for connections to otherDC devices. Connectors in the outlets (501) can include the currentlyubiquitous universal serial bus (USB) 5V connector commonly used on thecharging cables for mobile devices such as smartphones, tabletcomputers, and portable music players. Similarly automotive cigarettelighter style connectors (e.g. ANSI/SAE J563 specification) at 12V or 6Vcan be provided. Thus, DC charging of mobile devices can be provideddirectly from the DC rail and DC powered devices can be plugged directlyinto the rail. Further, specialized DC operations can be provided viaoutlets (501) such as providing couplers designed to directly connect tosmart electronic fixtures (such as, but not limited to, thermostats,smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or even certain computers) orbuilt in devices such as chargers for removable rechargeable chemicalbatteries, flashlights, or radios.

Each DC distributed controller (201) is nominally a unit associated witha logical division in a structure. Thus, each DC distributed controller(201) may correspond to a level of a residence, a room, a location in astructure (e.g. the ceiling), a logical bank of outlets (e.g. 10 outletswhich light a similar area such as the exterior of the structure), asingle outlet, or some other form of logical subdivision.

Generally, each DC distributed controller (201) comprises a bank ofsolid-state DC relays, which are activated in accordance with thecommands from the computer (111), associated communication electronics,and memory onboard the DC distributed controller (201). AC distributedcontrollers (301) are generally similar but receive power to bedistributed directly from the main breaker (10) as opposed to thecentral controller (101) which will generally only send instructions.Alternative switches, or devices which may behave in a switching orchanging capacity even if they don't actually switch can be used insteadof or in addition to the relay switches contemplated herein.Specifically, the switching can be accomplished by any hardware orsoftware system which is capable of modifying any property of thevoltage which is to be provided from the distributed controller (201) or(301) to the outlets (501) or (601).

A DC distributed controller (201) generally receives as instruction aserial word from the computer (111) that designates the desired state ofa relay or simply to change a relay from one binary state to another(e.g. from on to off or off to on). It also receives coarse power fromthe AC-DC converter (113). Generally the coarse power received at the DCdistributed controller (201) is DC to DC converted at the DC distributedcontroller (201) to a precise voltage based on the type and number ofoutlets (501) connected to the distributed controller (and thoseoutlet's purpose), and fed to each relay as the input to a pole of therelay. Upon actuation, each relay in turn feeds each outlet (501)associated with it. The wiring from the distributed control point DCunit (201) is preferably wiring designed to enhance transport of lowvoltage, low wattage, DC power.

As with the DC side, the AC side includes at least one and generallymore AC distributed controllers (301) which control AC outlets (601) inthe structure. These units (301) similarly receive a serial commandsignal from the central controller (101), and activate or de-activate asingle phase AC line, thereby giving the central controller (101)control over designated AC outlets (601) in the same fashion as it haswith DC outlets (501). Similar control may be provided for other AClines such as, but not limited to, three-phase lines, if desired. FIG. 2provides an embodiment of how the AC line can be connected to AC outlets(601) and various switch modules (401).

It should be apparent from the above that the operation of thedistributed controllers (201) and (301) provides for a variety ofdifferent control methodologies on both power rails. In particular, asthe individual distributed controllers (201) and (301) each control aportion of the power rail systems within the structure, the individualdistributed controllers (201) and (301) can control both the entirety ofoutlets (501) and (601) on that distributed controller (201) or (301),as well as any individual outlet (501) and (601) on that distributedcontroller (201) and (301) by simply determining how to distribute powerfrom itself to the outlets (501) and (601) it is connected to.Specifically power can be stopped from any point after the main breaker(10) to essentially any subset of outlets (501) and (601) by simplyconfiguring the distributed controllers (201) and (301) in a fashion toonly distribute as desired. One would also notice that in someembodiments it is actually possible to distribute both AC and DC powerat different times to the same outlet (501) or (601) in certaincircumstances and wiring patterns.

Because of this reconfigurable control of power, switches for theoutlets (501) and (601) in the structure can now be provided which aredisconnected from the wiring of the specific outlet (501) or (601) thatthey are to control. For this reason there is provided at least one, andgenerally a plurality of, switch modules (401). These are referred to as“stick on” as they can generally be placed anywhere and do not require afixed attachment point or connection. The switch modules (401) provide“switches” which send a signal back to a distributed controller (201) or(301) or more commonly the central controller (101) when they areactivated by a user (e.g. by pushing a button on their face, applyingheat to them, etc.).

The switch modules (401) are generally unobtrusive; generally will bepowered by a primary or secondary battery or be self-powered such as,but not limited to, by attached solar cells or will obtain power via awireless systems; and can be constructed to resemble light switches orother common switches people are familiar with today. The switch modules(401) are generally designed to be easily repairable and modular so theyeasily combined into larger switching banks (e.g. two can be placed nextto each other); and can provide additional switching functionality (e.g.using sensor technologies to control switching such as through changesin temperature, light, or motion) as desired in the same manner astodays current hardwired light switches.

The central controller (101) via the computer (111) provides forinteraction between the power rail infrastructures and these modules(401). The computer (111) is generally in communication, either by wireor wirelessly, to all switch modules (401), any remote sensors used inthe system (e.g. a heat sensor for monitoring a room), and potentiallyexternal mobile or computing devices (701), such as, but not limited to,computers, tablets, and cell phones. The computer (111) is able toreceive signals from any or all of these devices generally through anetwork to which the device (701) and the computer (111) are connected.In an embodiment, this may be through the use of a specialized mobiledevice application (“app”) or may be through a user access a web site orother Internet portal through which they can give instructions to thecomputer (111).

Upon receipt of a command (e.g. a toggle request from a module (401) ora change request form a mobile device (701)), the computer (111) outputsthe corresponding decision to the appropriate distributed controller(201) or (301). The computer (111) generally instructs the distributedcontroller (201) or (301) to set the state of its relays which willtoggle whatever relay is connected to the outlet (501) or (601)associated with the switch module (401) that has been activated. In thecase of DC distributed controller (201) being the relevant one, the DCdistributed controller (201) is instructed to set either individualrelays controlling individual outlets or banks of relays to configureone outlet or multiple outlets simultaneously.

A similar process would occur with an AC distributed controller (301),if appropriate. All of this is generally under software control. Thecomputer (111) maintains in memory which outlet(s) is/are controlled byeach switch module (401), and/or on remote sensor, and/or remote device(701). Effectively, this is what device controls what item currently.The computer (111) will also generally store in memory an intrinsiclogic of operation so that even in the event of a power failureemergency commands can be given.

The computer (111) is generally programmed via an initiation mode whichsets connections between switch modules (401) and outlets (501) or (601)and can be reprogrammed at any time. Thus, a user can simply indicatethat a particular module (401) is connected with a particular outlet oroutlets (501) or (601) in the central controller (101) (or in one of thedistributed controllers (201) or (301)). The connections are generallystored in an onboard memory of the computer (111).

Whenever the switch on that particular module (401) is activated, thecomputer (111) receives a signal indicative of the activation and looksup, based on the specifics of the signal received, which outlet (501) or(601) that module (401) corresponds to. The computer (111) then sends aninstruction to the distributed controller (201) or (301) associated withthat outlet (501) or (601) which will serve to toggle the relays in thatdistributed controller (201) or (301) so as to change the current stateof the outlets (501) or (601) based on the instructions. Generally, thisinstruction will be to change the outlet's (501) or (601) current stateto their other binary state (e.g. from off to on or from on to off), butmore complicated controls may also be implemented.

The switch modules (401) consist of individual objects that, whenactivated or toggled, transmit a signal to the central control pointunit (101) to change the status of a particular outlet (501) they arecurrently associated with in the controller's (111) memory. Because theyare not hardware switches, these modules (401) can be located anywhereconvenient in the structure and actually need not be “switches” at all.There can be multiple modules (401) commanding any given outlet (501)with no need for specialized wiring or switch design.

There does not need to be any physical connection between these modules(401) or any other component of the system. In an embodiment the modulesmay be connected to other elements of the system entirely wirelessly,e.g. using Bluetooh™ protocols. An embodiment of such a module (411) isprovided in FIG. 3. In an alternative embodiment, the modules (401) canbe provided with a mixture of wireless and wired connections, or apurely wired connection. An embodiment of such a module (421) is shownin FIG. 4. The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be particularly useful toreplace a traditional wall mounted hardware switch which may already bein place in an existing structure.

Modules (401) can be either powered by a replaceable or rechargeablebattery, self-powered by exploiting the piezoelectric effect orincluding a variety of power sources such as kinetic or solargenerators, or can obtain power via wireless power technologies as knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. This allows them to functioncompletely independently of position allowing them to be positionedanywhere within communication range of the central controller (101)either directly or via any kind of connected network.

It should be apparent that the switch capability of the modules (401)does not have to be an embodiment in any particular type of hardwaredevice. In an embodiment a device such as a computer or mobile device(701) can simulate a module (401) and could therefore control some orall of the outlets (501) and (601). Similarly, the module (401) can beactivated without any form of switching occurring. For example, it couldsimply return a temperature reading which, when it passes a certainthreshold, triggers the central controller (101) to make a relay change.

Specialized instructions can also be sent with the modules (401) beingactivated as part of the signal. This can include a dimming signal wherethe distributed controller (201) or (301) would not disconnect theoutlet (501) or (601) from the power rail but would lower the amount ofpower provided or could include control signals for devices attached tothe outlet. For example, if an LED light was connected that couldprovide a variety of colors, a module (401) could comprise a rotatingswitch with multiple positions. Each position could correspond to aparticular color and, as the switch was turned on, the module (401), thecentral controller (101) and/or distributed controller (201) associatedwith that light could send not only power, but a control signal whichserves to instruct electronics on the LED device to change color.

It should be apparent that one of the primary benefits of the system(100) can be in lighting of the structure. Inclusion of the DC rail inthe structure allows for all or a majority of lighting to be a lowvoltage lighting system which is preferably entirely LED-based andprovides all built-in lighting needs for the structure. Each lightreceives its individual power from an outlet (501) attached to a DCdistributed controller (201). As the LED receives its power from the DCrail, there is no need for the more expensive AC-DC conversion at eachlight and there is no need to include AC-DC conversion technology on theLED unit making it generally simpler, more reliable, and less expensiveto build. The LED device will fit into an outlet that has a universalinterface for such LED devices and can operate according to a standardoperational protocol, such that a plethora of light fixtures can becreated and accommodated easily by the system.

There are a significant number of expected advantages of the systems andmethods discussed herein over the current way of building residentialhouses and commercial buildings. In the first instance, whilemaintaining the same light levels in terms of lumens per square foot ineach designated area, the system can add incredible convenience andflexibility while reducing energy costs. Running low voltage, lowwattage DC wiring essentially from the main breaker (10) (specificallyfrom the co-located central controller (101)) to accommodate DC devicessuch as LED lighting will reduce significantly the cost of wiring. Withthe price of copper continuing to rise, the savings today and in thefuture are far from insignificant.

Secondly, having separated the command of the operation or actuation ofthe switch from the functionality of the switch, because the distributedcontroller (201) or (301) provides the physical switch while the module(401) provides the “indicator” of the switch, significantly simplifiesthe complexity of wiring. In its simplest form, a light simply togglesfrom its present state regardless of how many modules (401) arepresently associated with that outlet or which one is pressed. Further,if a module (401) was to have a battery or other catastrophic failureresulting in it completely ceasing to function, the rest would stillwork perfectly well and it could be readily bypassed. In the presentsystems and methods, each light is operated from a single pole of arelay in the distributed controller (201) or (301) which is eitheractuated or not.

Whether the command for operation comes from one source or multiplesources is irrelevant to the simplicity of the wiring as the switchingcommands are all executed at a single switch (namely at the relays inthe distributed controller (201) or (301)), regardless of where a signalcomes from. Instead, each switch module (401) can act simply as a toggleso that, when any device is toggled (pushed or switched via anyindication hardware or software), the distributed controller (201) or(301) simply toggles the current state of the associated outlet (501) or(601). Again, this greatly reduces the labor costs of installation.

Further, as the operation of the relay is controlled by the commandsfrom the central controller (101) that receives requests for change fromthe switch modules (401) within the residence, or remote sensors orcould be controlled remotely from a mobile device or a computer (701)via a network. This provides total flexibility and control of allelectrical power within the residence or commercial building. Theconfiguration and control of the lighting and other DC driven devices isnow independent of the wiring. This would enable a user to buy a certainnumber of modules (401) and allow them a massive number of possibleswitch configurations without need to ever rewire the system.

The present system further facilitates individually activated outlets(501) and (601) (which with prior systems were always activated) to beconveniently located or co-located and allows them to be inactive untilrequired to be used. This can make a structure significantly safer forcrawling or just inquisitive young children as without a load in an ACoutlet (601) and an associated switch being “on”, the system (100) cansimply make sure that there is no power at the AC outlet (601). Suchinactivation command can be placed out of the child's access or reachfurther improving safety. Thus, each AC outlet (601) could not only becovered to prevent a child interacting with it, it could be literallyoff (with no signal running through it) unless a load was connected tothe outlet and the outlet was commanded to be on.

In an embodiment, there is disclosed herein a system which comprises ofa controller, either centralized or decentralized, that controls: byswitch/button activation command, remote and directly wired; by sensorcommand, remote and directly wired; by pre-programmed cycle command; orby remote computing unit the lighting of: a residence (indoor orexterior); or a commercial property (indoor or exterior); either at: anindividual light fixture, or as a group of light fixtures; wherein thefixture or fixtures to be controlled are independently linked to theircontrol inputs such that switching commands and the switching of thelighting fixtures are not directly coupled.

Depending on the embodiment, the system may additionally include acontroller, either centralized or decentralized, that controls one ormore AC outlets in a residence, or a commercial property: byswitch/button activation command, remote and directly wired; by sensorcommand, remote and directly wired; by pre-programmed cycle command; orby remote computing unit to allow a utility company to remotelyactivate/de-activate outlets (e.g. hot water heaters).

In an embodiment, the control of lighting fixtures may include a dimmingcapability.

In an embodiment, switching commands are provided with a security code,both for information security and determining the priority of inputs.

In an embodiment, the DC supply is derived from: a primary source suchas the residence AC mains; or a backup supply, such as a battery, a fuelcell, solar cell, wind generator or standby generator; and wherein theDC supply will provide the primary power for: the property lighting;recharging of the backup system; any DC operated sensor such as a firealarm; or any device that maybe operated from a DC supply such as a DCceiling fan.

In an embodiment, the system includes a backup power supply system whichperforms the following functions: charges the back up or secondary DCsource when the primary source is available; activates automatically tosustain the lighting system and other devices that operate on the DCsupply such as fire alarm sensors in the event of a failure of theprimary supply; and switches automatically back to the primary supplyonce that source returns to being available.

In an embodiment, the system is additionally capable of: calculating orestimating the energy savings from its operation; measuring theresidence or commercial unit energy consumption by category (e.g.lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, water heating) as well as totalconsumption; and correlating the energy saving and the consumption.

It should be recognized in an embodiment, that the system can be usedfor multiple purposes such as a security system (with appropriatesensors), lighting system, climate control system, or any other systemthat can be activated/deactivated: by switch/button activation command,remote and directly wired; by sensor command, remote and directly wired;by pre-programmed cycle command; or by remote computing unit. Themultiple purposes can be activated/deactivated: by switch/buttonactivation command, remote and directly wired; by sensor command, remoteand directly wired; by pre-programmed cycle command; or by remotecomputing unit.

In an embodiment, light fixtures are wired using thin conductors as tobe installed over the walls with the fixture connection affixed directlyto the end of the wire.

In an embodiment, control of the system is governed by an external setof rules for the purposes of switching devices on and off in accordancewith some predetermined algorithm (e.g. turning outside lights on andoff according to the scheduled sunrise and sunset).

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to allof the provided details. Modifications and variations of the describedembodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention, and other embodiments should be understood to beencompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A power control system for a structure, thesystem comprising: a central controller electrically connected to: an ACdistributed controller by a wire carrying alternating current (AC)power; and a DC distributed controller by a wire carrying direct current(DC) power; a main breaker connecting said central controller to an ACpower source, said central controller including: an AC to DC powerconverter; and a computer for transferring instructions; wherein, saidcentral controller is configured to transmit instructions and AC powerto said AC distributed controller; and wherein, said central controlleris configured to transmit instructions and DC power to said DCdistributed power controller; a plurality of outlets, each of saidoutlets: connected to at least one of said AC distributed powercontroller or said DC distributed power controller; and including acoupler for connection to a device utilizing AC or DC power; a pluralityof switch modules, each of said modules being operatively associatedwith at least one of said outlets so that when said module is activated:said module transmits a signal to said central controller; said signalis converted by said computer into an instruction; said instruction issent by said central controller to said distributed controller to whichsaid operatively associated outlet is connected; and power to saidoutlet is toggled from its present state based on said instruction. 2.The power control system of claim 1 wherein said AC power sourcecomprises a municipal power grid.
 3. The power control system of claim 1wherein said main breaker comprises a circuit breaker or a fuse box. 4.The power control system of claim 1 wherein said switch module comprisesa hardware switch.
 5. The power control system of claim 1 wherein saidswitch module comprises a mobile device.
 6. The power control system ofclaim 1 wherein said switch module comprises a computer.
 7. The powercontrol system of claim 1 wherein said AC distributed power controllerincludes a computer.
 8. The power control system of claim 1 wherein saidAC distributed power controller includes a plurality of relay switches.9. The power control system of claim 1 wherein said DC distributed powercontroller includes a computer.
 10. The power control system of claim 1wherein said DC distributed power controller includes a plurality ofrelay switches.
 11. The power control system of claim 1 wherein at leastone of said outlets is designed to be attached to a light emitting diode(LED) illumination device.
 12. The power control system of claim 11wherein the LED illumination device does not include a power controlcircuit.
 13. The power control system of claim 11 wherein the LEDillumination device does not include an AC to DC converter.
 14. Thepower control system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said outlets isdesigned to directly connect to a charging cable of a mobile device. 15.The power control system of claim 1 wherein said power is toggled to anopposed binary state.